Kia White has been instrumental in shaping LifeNet Health’s One Hero program, launched in 2021 to address disparities in donation and transplantation within the Black community. Now she’s even more integral to our efforts to expand access to donation and transplantation as the new Director of Multicultural Affairs. “It’s a new role for me and a new position the organization has created,” she said. “I will represent LifeNet Health to build relationships with different ethnic and cultural groups and have that connection with the community, whether it’s at the local level, or the government level.”
Kia joined LifeNet Health 15 years ago as a Community Education Coordinator, which laid the foundation for her current efforts. Her education and training – including a master’s degree in public health – have given her the ability to focus on data and research to develop strategic approaches to program planning.
“I think now more than ever we’re realizing there are demographics that may have a longer wait time because of a lack of registered organ donors,” Kia said. “I feel like my role is trying to address that gap. In the Black community a lot of people say ‘no’ when we approach them about organ donation. The challenge is to get them registered so they are not first hearing about this at a time that’s very traumatic and sudden. That’s where I come in.”
Kia’s efforts involve meeting people right where they are. “You have to build through a dynamic of trust,” she said. “We’re bringing our message into neighborhoods and grocery stores – to reach a demographic that may have limited access to attend a traditional health fair. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s what’s needed.”
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